Passing Time
Spring break flew by, sadly. One of the main factors: I had an engaging book list that sucked away time faster than a black hole. So I pass my recommendations on to you. If you’re looking for a way to fill the freezing, sleeting, rainy April nights, take a peek at these:
Books I Like A Lot:
Speak by Laura Halse Anderson. Young Adult. About time I read this one, and if you haven’t read it, about time you read it, too. Haunting. Gripping. Amazing. Can’t believe it was her first book. Sigh. Some people just have talent.
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler. Young Adult. This book took me completely by surprise. Rocked my world a little, to be honest. The structure of the novel took a little getting used to. It’s different, to be sure. But hang in there. The originality in the story telling, the point of view, the artistry, it all comes together to make a unforgettable story.
The Stuff That Never Happened by Maddie Dawson. Adult Fiction. This was a well-written, easy read that had some hauntingly familiar themes. For me at least. Perhaps you can relate as well.
Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry. Middle Grade. I wish I’d discovered this series when I was in elementary school. The story telling, the subject matter, the characterization: they check all the right boxes for me. I’d recommend this book to any middle grade reader.
Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel. Middle Grade. This book really falls into the easy / early reader category. But it was so darn funny, anyone could read it. Not everyday that a middle grade novel makes a middle-aged author laugh out loud. What a fun read.
A Visit From the Good Squad by Jennifer Egan. Adult Fiction. I read, reviewed, and liked Jennifer Egan’s The Keep last year. With this novel, she expands on her signature story-telling style. Each section weaves a different character, point of view, and perspective so smoothly, she makes it seem easy. When it’s anything but. No wonder the book won The Pulitzer.
Books I Enjoyed (but could put down to go to sleep):
The Sisters Club: Cloudy With a Chance of Boys by Megan McDonald. Middle Grade. I thought the idea of the sisters club, with different sections of the book being narrated by different sisters, was a lot of fun. The subject matter is subjective, though. If you like books about boys and first kisses, then this is for you.
Books I’m Glad I Tried (but wouldn’t read again):
Eggs by Jerry Spinelli. Middle Grade. Well written tale that spins the lives of several dysfunctional families together. I had the odd sense of deja-vu as I read it…as if I’d read something a lot like it a long time ago…
